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Re-Enlist.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I’m posting this blog literally minutes after completing my first NetCast on the topic of volunteer recruitment and retention, compliments of FireCritic and FireDaily at www.firefighternetcast.com. What a tremendous opportunity that was to connect with so many people via the live chat and simultaneous telephone call-ins.
My helmet is off to those two gentlemen for harnessing that technology to accomplish something that they may not even realize they’re doing: Telling Stories.
Storytelling is important to the survival and success of the fire service. Very important. As I wrote in my article: “Saving Stories,” in this month’s edition of Fire-Rescue Magazine, storytelling “passes on our traditions, conveys our values and protects the rich heritage of the fire service.” Thanks to Rhett and John for doing just that through the tales shared on FirefighterNetcast.com.
At the end of the Netcast, I let the cat out of the bag about a new partnership I created between our volunteer fire service and the National Guard. Look for more info on that coming soon. In the meantime, the following is a story that is a little bit about my love for my father, my passion for the fire service and my appreciation for the military men and women who protect our freedom every day.
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I don’t know if it’s the fact that my father served in the US Army in two wars, my self-inflicted guilt for not serving in the military, or simply my love for country; but over the past several years I’ve experienced a growing appreciation for – OK, almost an infatuation with – our US Military and the men and women who serve in it.
My logical side admires these ordinary people who perform extraordinary missions in defense of our freedom.
My creative side is in love with the marketing machine that is the US Military.
Read the rest of the story at: www.tigerschmittendorf.com - http://tigerschmittendorf.com/2010/03/11/re-enlist/ and discuss it here at FirefighterNation.
Add a Comment
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Comment by Greenman on March 11, 2010 at 2:54pm
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Tiger,
I think I see where you're coming from, but there is a critical difference between volunteering in the Fire Service and Enlisting in the Military. Namely, you cannot quit the military whenever you decide you've had enough, whereas you can quit the Fire Service.
I think a better term for the type of ceremony you are talking about is "investiture." The term normally means "The act or formal ceremony of conferring the authority and symbols of a high office."
In this case it would mean the formal dedication, or re-dedication, of a Firefighter to serving in that capacity and promising to uphold certain standards, practices and values of the Fire Service.
Scouting Organizations in the British commonwealth countries hold an annual investiture ceremony each February to re-dedicate themselves to Scouting's ideals.
I think it a great idea, it would probably help stimulate many people to a higher standard as they enter and serve in the fire service...help given them Purpose, Direction and Motivation, rather than "just volunteering with the fire department."
Greenman
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